In-Box Wireless Charging Through Retail Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices often arrive at retail with batteries discharged and outdated software, requiring customers to wait for charging and updates after purchase, which can delay the enjoyment of device features.
Innovation Solution
A system that wirelessly charges and updates electronic devices within their retail packaging using a wireless power transmitting device with a surface and coil, communicating with the device to determine if it permits power transfer and software updates, and using protocols like NFC, Bluetooth, or WiFi to charge and update the device while it remains in a low-power mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the device is placed in low-power mode during packaging, then battery power is conserved during storage, but the battery discharges over time and the device becomes unchargeable or requires extended charging time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs in-box charging during the manufacturing and packaging process, charging the battery to a target level (e.g., 80%) before the device is shipped to retail. This preliminary charging action ensures the device is ready for immediate use upon purchase, eliminating the need for customers to wait for charging after buying the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device charges itself automatically during packaging using wireless power transfer through the retail container. The system detects the device's presence, determines its battery status, and initiates charging without human intervention, maintaining the device in a charged state throughout storage and transport.
2Ease of operation
If the device is charged and updated before sale, then customer experience is improved with immediate device readiness, but the retail container must allow wireless power and data transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The retail container serves multiple functions: it protects the device during transport, enables wireless power transfer for in-box charging, and allows wireless data communication for software updates. By making the container multi-functional, the system achieves device readiness before sale without significantly complicating the container design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses wireless communication protocols (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) as intermediaries to transfer power and data through the retail container. These wireless technologies enable charging and updates without requiring physical modifications to the container, maintaining its protective function while enabling pre-sale preparation.
3Ease of operation
If wireless power transfer is performed through the retail container, then in-box charging is enabled, but power transfer efficiency may be reduced due to container materials
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts power transfer parameters such as frequency, power level, and charging current dynamically to optimize efficiency through the container. By monitoring charging progress and container characteristics, the system modifies transmission parameters to minimize energy loss while achieving the target battery charge level.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables devices to be fully charged and updated before sale, improving customer experience by ensuring they are ready for immediate use upon purchase, with efficient charging and software updates conducted through sealed containers using wireless technology.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transfer coil positioned to couple with a wireless power receiving coil of the wireless power receiving device when the container is placed on the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transmitting device includes a surface adapted to support a container containing a wireless power receiving device and further includes a wireless power transfer coil positioned to couple with a wireless power receiving coil of the wireless power receiving device when the container is placed on the surface. The wireless power transmitting device detects a presence of the wireless power receiving device when the container containing the wireless power receiving device is placed on the surface and determines whether the wireless power receiving device permits wireless power transfer while it is inside the container. Using the wireless power transfer coil, the wireless power transmitting device wirelessly transmits power to the wireless power receiving device through the container to charge a battery of the wireless power receiving device, in accordance with determining the wireless power receiving device permits wireless power transfer while it is inside the container.